Date: 08/26/2015

Number: 16

Approximately 3 male ruby throats
Approximately 13 females


A male ruby throat humming bird kept at his guarding perching post most of the day. I watched him (off and on) from mid AM to around 4PM. He would leave his perch for a few minutes and then return and stay for 10 or more minutes. Sit and sip...

The two other males I noticed were chased off.

At least three of the females were allowed to sip from the feeder he was guarding.

The other females (possibly males - It was hard to see the red under the chin.) came to the feeder that is about 15 feet from the male's perch. He did not chase hummingbirds away from this feeder - not once. And, he had a line of sight to this feeder.

He chased hummingbirds that sipped at the feeder that is just 3-5 feet away from the hemlock twig he seems to prefer.

I found this interesting because I reported him at his post yesterday and about a week ago. Is he resting and guarding the feeder so that he can be sure to have enough energy for the migration south?

Are the females he allows to nectar - family?

I did see him chase away some females.

Perhaps he is not the same male? Perhaps a new male comes by for the day and sets up guarding the feeder.

Interesting....

Arcade, NY

Latitude: 42.6 Longitude: -78.4

Observed by: Donna
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